The 2025 NASCAR Cup Series season has already delivered intense racing moments, but few incidents have sparked as much debate as the clash between Chase Elliott and Ross Chastain at the EchoPark Automotive Grand Prix at Circuit of the Americas (COTA). The collision, which occurred on the very first lap, altered the race’s dynamics and left fans, analysts, and fellow drivers weighing in on the consequences.

Elliott, one of NASCAR’s most popular drivers and a former champion, was spun out by Chastain’s aggressive maneuver, costing him a shot at victory. Although he made a remarkable recovery to finish fourth, the frustration was evident in his post-race comments. Meanwhile, Chastain, known for his hard-nosed, take-no-prisoners racing style, later admitted fault, but questions remain: Is this the beginning of a rivalry, or will the two move on?

Let’s take a deep dive into the incident, reactions from both drivers and fan and industry responses, and what this means for future races.

The Incident: What Happened at COTA?

A First-Lap Collision That Changed Everything

The highly anticipated EchoPark Automotive Grand Prix started with drivers jockeying for position. As the field entered Turn 1, Ross Chastain, in the No. 1 Chevrolet for Trackhouse Racing, made an aggressive dive-bomb move. In an attempt to gain track position early, Chastain misjudged his braking point and collided with Chase Elliott’s No. 9 Chevrolet, sending him into a spin.

The contact not only affected Elliott but also collected Denny Hamlin and Connor Zilisch in the chaos. For Elliott, who entered the race as a serious contender for the win, this was a devastating setback.

Despite the incident, Elliott fought his way back through the field and secured a P4 finish. However, the question lingered—what could have been if he hadn’t been taken out so early?

Chase Elliott’s Reaction: Frustration, but Professionalism

In the immediate aftermath of the crash, Elliott expressed his frustration over the team radio—a common reaction for a driver who feels he’s been wronged. However, when speaking to the media, he took a measured approach.

“There’s not really a lot for me to comment on. I hate it happened,” Elliott told Fox Sports’ Bob Pockrass. “It’s easy for me to say I wish it wasn’t on the first lap, which is true, but if it happens at any point in the race, you’re probably going to be bummed out about it.”

Elliott also emphasized how the contact compromised his car’s performance for the remainder of the race:

“Our car never drove like it did on Saturday, which is frustrating after that. But outside of that, I don’t really have a comment on the situation.”

This controlled response showed Elliott’s maturity and experience. While he was clearly disappointed, he chose not to escalate tensions publicly. However, NASCAR fans know that drivers don’t always forget incidents like these.

Ross Chastain’s Response: Admitting Fault but Moving On

Ross Chastain has built a reputation for being one of the most aggressive drivers in NASCAR, a style that has earned him both praise and criticism. However, after the race, he took a rare step and admitted his mistake.

Chastain acknowledged that his overzealous move in Turn 1 was a miscalculation and took full responsibility for the contact. In an interview, he said:

“That was 100% on me. I went in too deep, and it cost Chase a shot at the win. I’ve already talked to him about it, and I respect him a lot as a competitor.”

While his accountability was appreciated, the bigger question remains: Will Elliott seek revenge in a future race?

NASCAR Community’s Reaction: Was Chastain’s Move Too Aggressive?

Drivers Weigh In

Several veteran NASCAR drivers commented on the incident, with some calling Chastain’s move reckless, especially on Lap 1.

• Kevin Harvick called it “one of the worst decisions of the race,” pointing out that early-race aggression can often backfire.
• Joey Logano defended Chastain’s move, stating that “you have to take chances to win in this sport.”
• Denny Hamlin, who was also caught in the wreck, said: “It was unnecessary, but not surprising.”

Fans Take Sides

Social media exploded after the incident, with fans divided:

• Elliott fans were furious, believing that Chastain robbed him of a potential win.
• Chastain supporters argued that he was simply racing hard and that Elliott’s team should focus on recovery rather than blame.

Hashtags like #ChastainVsElliott and #NASCARJustice trended on Twitter, adding fuel to the rivalry.

Historical Context: NASCAR’s History of Retaliation

NASCAR is no stranger to rivalries and on-track payback. Over the years, drivers have engaged in retaliation for aggressive moves:

• Dale Earnhardt vs. Terry Labonte (Bristol 1999)
• Jeff Gordon vs. Matt Kenseth (Martinsville 2012)
• Denny Hamlin vs. Ross Chastain (2022)

Given NASCAR’s history, could Elliott return the favor in a future race?

What’s Next? The Road to Phoenix and Beyond

Phoenix Raceway: The Perfect Setup for a Rematch?

As the Cup Series moves to Phoenix Raceway, Elliott has a chance to reclaim his momentum. He has won at Phoenix before, most notably securing his 2020 NASCAR Cup Series Championship there.

Meanwhile, Chastain will need to be on high alert—if he finds himself side-by-side with Elliott, fans will be watching closely.

Will Elliott Retaliate?

Elliott’s response was measured but calculated. While he hasn’t threatened retaliation, NASCAR history suggests that drivers don’t easily forget incidents like this.

The next time they race door-to-door, will Elliott let him go, or will he send a message?

Final Thoughts: A Rivalry in the Making?

The Chase Elliott vs. Ross Chastain incident at COTA has become one of the biggest talking points of the NASCAR season. It highlighted the fine line between aggressive racing and reckless driving—and left fans wondering whether this was just a one-time mistake or the beginning of a heated rivalry.

With Phoenix Raceway and other high-profile races ahead, this storyline isn’t over yet. Will Elliott and Chastain put the past behind them, or are we in for more fireworks?

One thing is certain: NASCAR fans will be watching closely.